CEBU CITY, Philippines - Aprons will be laid, spoons will be raised and food will be tasted as the Cebu Goes Culinary (CGC) competition judges various creative talents in food preparation for this year's theme, A Celebration of Traditional Cuisines.The competition goes hand in hand with the Cebu Food Expo from July 10 to 12. The activities are seen to bring in more tourists in Cebu.
Phineas Alburo, Department of Tourism undersecretary, congratulated the private sector for organizing the July activities.
“It's always the private sector who draws tourism. The government just sets the guidelines. I congratulate them because this will bring in tourists,” said Alburo.
Marco Protacio, president of Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC), said the competition is not just about the number of points but on the number of goals and will focus on excellence. HRRAC is on its 2nd year of partnership with Global-Link MP Events International Inc. to provide opportunity in establishing business ventures. Along with the celebration of CGC, Cebu Food Expo will hold a 3-day event in franchising and business opportunities from July 10 to 12.
Cebu Food Expo is an presentation of bakery and confectionary equipment, food and beverages, packaging and processing and service technology from the Philippines and other countries.
“Cebu Goes Culinary is about what Cebu has to offer in terms of skills while Cebu Food Expo is on what the world has to offer in terms of products,” Protacio said.
Talents are showcased on July 11 and 12 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino where professional chefs, hoteliers, and culinary practitioners compete for the bronze, silver and gold medals. The ultimate award is the Battle of the Toque or the over-all winner.
Students are welcome on the CGC competition. Contests on Fruit and Vegetable Carving, Flower Arrangement, Table Settings and Creative Cakes are among those that fall under the student category.
“We believe they are hoteliers in the future so we are honing their skills,” Protacio said. Professional category offers butter Carving Showpiece, Cold Platter Dessert, Wedding Cake Freestyle, Plated Appetizers and several more. Both professional and student categories have a total of 32 classes of competition. |
